Board approves sale of former Thunderbolt Elementary to Tybee Island Maritime Academy, adds amendment protecting charter

The Savannah-Chatham County Board of Public Education approved a purchase-and-sale agreement Dec. 17 for the former Thunderbolt Elementary property (tax ID 3509022) to Tybee Island Charter School Incorporated, doing business as Tybee Island Maritime Academy.

During discussion, board member Mr. Kachemar moved to amend the resolution to explicitly authorize the superintendent and board counsel to negotiate contract language that states the sale does not amend or alter the existing charter and that any future changes to the charter must follow the board’s approval process and Georgia law. The board approved the amendment and then approved the sale as amended.

District staff said the sale is for the charter’s currently authorized program and does not alter the charter agreement; any future program or charter changes would require board action. The superintendent recommended execution of the purchase-and-sale agreement as reviewed by the board attorney.